Breast Implant Removal | Auburn, AL
Breast augmentation or enlargement is one of the most common cosmetic procedures for women. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® almost 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the United States in 2022. Sometimes breast implants need to be removed. Some of the most common reasons for breast implant removal are as follows:
- Ruptured breast implants
- Patient is having neck pain, back pain or shoulder pain
- Capsular contracture (firm breasts, too much scar tissue)
- Patient wishes to have her breast implants removed
- Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Who is a good candidate for breast implant removal or explant?
- Anyone with breast implants in place who wishes to have them removed
- Non-smoker
- Healthy individual
- Realistic goals and expectations
How is breast implant removal performed?
Breast implant removal is performed by making a small incision (usually through your old incision) and removing the implant. This can sometimes be performed in the office under local anesthesia. Other times, general anesthesia is required.
Do I need a capsulectomy?
Sometimes a capsulectomy or removal of the scar around the implant is performed with the implant removal. Capsulectomy is not usually required for simple removal of implants. This decision will be discussed during your consultation with the surgeon.
What type of capsulectomies do Dr. Aquadro and Dr. Bond perform?
The current consensus statement by the Breast Surgery Collaborative Community (BSCC) describes 4 types of capsulectomies.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy – Removal of the capsule intact with a margin of normal tissue around the outside. The ONLY indication for this procedure is cancer or suspected cancer.
- Total Intact Capsulectomy – Complete removal of the entire capsule as a single unit.
- Total Capsulectomy (total precise capsulectomy) – Complete removal of the entire breast capsule, but not necessarily as a single unit.
- Partial Capsulectomy – Removal of a part of the capsule. Sometimes the capsule is thin and stuck to other structures.
Will I need a breast lift after my implants are removed?
Depending on the size of your implants and the amount of stretch your skin has endured, you may want to have a breast lift after your implants are removed. However, not everyone will need a breast lift after implant removal. During your consultation with your surgeon, he will discuss what you can expect after removal of your implants. He will make recommendations on whether you will need a lift following your procedure. Many times, photographs are used to illustrate what you can realistically expect from the procedure. Ultimately, the choice to have a breast lift will be your decision.
